Mike Catling Rest in Peace

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend Mike Catling, a long-standing and much¬loved member of Loddon Players.

Mike was part of our group for many years, appearing in numerous plays and pantomimes before moving to our Front of House team.

On stage, he was a gifted comic performer with a natural warmth that made audiences instantly connect with him. His performances, whether as a Dame, a comic sidekick, or a character actor in our plays were always delivered with humour, generosity, and a deep affection for community theatre.

Off stage, Mike was a calm, reassuring presence. He made rehearsals lighter, show nights smoother, and backstage life happier simply by being there.

In his later years with us, he became known for his immaculate Front of House appearance, always dressed in his signature tuxedo and always ready with his gentlemanly greetings.

For many audience members, Mike was the first friendly face they saw when arriving at the Lecture Hall, and his kindness set the tone for countless performances.

When not on stage he was often found backstage with a hammer in hand, helping to build or repair sets with the same quiet dedication he brought to everything he did.

Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or welcoming audiences, Mike embodied the spirit of Loddon Players.

We send our deepest love and thoughts to Jenny and to all of Mike’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Below is a list of the productions we currently have records for. Mike appeared in many shows over the years, and while these are the ones we have been able to confirm, there may be others that members remember him being part of.

• Neptune and Lord Chamberlain (Panto 2000)
• Hector the Huntsman Snow White (Panto, 2001)
• Al Paca – *Aladdin* (Panto, 2002)
• Donny / Tweedledee – *Babes in Wonderland* (Panto, 2003)
  For some members, the cry of *“Go Tweedle, go!”* still brings back a smile.
• Lord Elrood – *Panic Stations* (Play, 2003)
• Pierre Mardeau – *Murdered to Death* (Play, 2004)
• Sid Haddock – *Puss in Boots* (Panto, 2005)
• Belt – *Robin Hood* (Panto, 2006)
• Another Bear – *Goldilocks* (Panto, 2008)
• Letitia (Ugly Sister) – *Cinderella* (Panto, 2009)
• Dame Myrtle – *Robinson Crusoe* (Panto, 2010)
• Squadron Leader Roger “Stiffy” Allwright – *Death by Fatal Murder* (Play, 2018)

These roles from comic characters to beloved dames show the breadth of Mike’s talent and the joy he brought to our stage.

We invite members, past and present, to share their memories, stories, and photos of Mike whether from his time on stage, backstage, or greeting audiences in his tuxedo. Mike touched so many lives within Loddon Players, and your recollections will help us celebrate the wonderful, unforgettable man he was.